The Golden Horse Casino & Hotel in Pietermaritzburg offers a multi-faceted experience, primarily known as a casino but also featuring a hotel and event facilities. User reviews present a varied picture, highlighting strong points in its accommodation and staff, while pointing out areas for improvement, particularly concerning dining and the casino environment.
The hotel component of Golden Horse consistently receives positive feedback. Guests frequently commend the well-maintained premises, describing passages, reception areas, and lounging spaces as beautiful and well-kept. The rooms are noted for being comfortable and clean, contributing to an enjoyable stay. Reviewers highlight the staff as a significant asset, praising the friendly front office team and generally describing staff as very friendly and professional. One guest even compared their experience to world-class holidays in New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore, stating it was on par.
Feedback on the food services is quite mixed, creating a clear distinction:
As a primary casino destination, its atmosphere is crucial. While it's noted as a "prime event destination" capable of hosting various functions, recent reviews suggest a decline in its general appeal. Some visitors found the casino floor to be "very empty" and felt it had "lost its pull and attraction," perceiving it as primarily a "safe haven for old" individuals. A significant point of concern is the smoking zone within the casino. The smell is described as "very strong," leading to a suggestion that it "should be enclosed somehow" for better air quality for non-smokers and general comfort.
Based on guest feedback, potential visitors should be aware of a few key aspects:
Golden Horse Casino & Hotel stands out for its excellent hotel accommodation and the professionalism and friendliness of its staff. It serves well as an event venue. However, prospective guests should note the inconsistent dining quality (room service good, main restaurant less so) and be prepared for potential strong smoke odors in the casino. While the overall vibe might be perceived as quieter by some, the core hotel amenities remain a strong draw for a comfortable stay in Pietermaritzburg.
I was welcomed by friendly front office staff. I loved the rooms, they comfortable and clean.The food from the room service restaurant is the best👌I think the smoking zone from the casino should be enclosed somehow. Because the smell can very strong.I enjoyed my stay
The hotel is really well maintained. Cannot really fault them. Their passages, reception areas and lounging areas are really beautiful and wellKept.The only down side of this place is their restaurant the worst ever, the food is not nice and even the service is nothing one can right about.
What’s not to love about Pietermaritzburg’s prime event destination ! It’s always a pleasure hosting Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels there.
It’s either I am getting old or just more particular about things. We found it very empty and almost like a safe haven for old who find it a source of comfort. It’s lots it’s pull and attraction. The food outlets have also being downscaled. Quality is gone and so is the feel.
